Taiwan’s representative at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Lin Hsin-i, revealed on Saturday that his interaction with Chinese President Xi Jinping was limited to a wave, without a handshake or conversation. The subdued gesture reflects the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and Beijing.
Limited Interaction Amid Growing Strains
Taiwan, participating in APEC under the name “Chinese Taipei” due to China’s objections, does not send its president to these summits. The forum is one of the few international events where officials from both sides are present, offering rare opportunities for interaction.
Lin, a former economy minister and current chairman of Taiwania Capital, noted during a press conference that Taiwan engaged in bilateral talks with many APEC members. However, with Xi, there was only a distant greeting. “The motion of a greeting has no details,” Lin said, emphasizing the absence of any direct exchange.
This contrasts sharply with Lin’s meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden a day earlier, which was described as a “lively” and engaging discussion. The United States, Taiwan’s most important international ally and arms supplier, maintains informal ties with Taipei despite switching diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979.
Historical Context of APEC Engagement
Interactions between Taiwan and China at past APEC forums have varied. In 2022, Morris Chang, founder of Taiwan’s TSMC, reported a “very pleasant” conversation with Xi during the Bangkok summit. In contrast, Lin’s lack of dialogue with Xi in Lima highlights the increasing tensions in the region.
Concerns Over China’s 2026 APEC Host Role
China’s announcement to host the APEC summit in 2026 has raised concerns in Taiwan. Beijing’s efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically and its military pressure, including war games near the island, have created apprehension among Taiwanese officials.
Deputy Secretary-General of Taiwan’s National Security Council, Hsu Szu-Chien, expressed these worries during the same press briefing. He cited China’s legal guidelines, introduced in June, that impose severe penalties, including the death sentence, for “diehard” Taiwan independence supporters. While these laws have no jurisdiction over Taiwan, Hsu warned that they could be used to target Taiwanese officials and even foreign representatives.
“Other APEC members share similar concerns,” Hsu stated, adding that Beijing had offered assurances to address these issues, leading to a consensus on its role as host. However, skepticism remains about how China might leverage its hosting position.
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